PERSONALITY

The
Chow Chow is a highly intelligent dog and values his independence. He
can be hugged and played with. He can even be corrected -often by a
tone of voice, but he should never be allowed to dominate the
household. He is usually amenable to being touched by strangers if he
is introduced by one of his owners and approached properly. Quiet,
refined, he should not be teased or treated as a lap dog. His dignity
and aloofness must never be confused with a fierce or intractable
temperament. He minds his own business and does not generally initiate
trouble. Bad-tempered Chows are not representative of the breed, but
are usually the result of indiscriminate breeding and a woeful lack of "socialization". The Chow's appearance and personality suggest the
nobility of a lion, the drollness of a panda, the appeal of a
teddybear, the grace and independence of a cat, and the loyalty and
devotion of the dog. The Chow has a little of all these qualities in
his appearance and in his behavior. It is, however, his particular
intelligence and devotion, his independence and dignity which make him
unique.

HABITS

It
is often said by Chow owners who have had years of experience with
Chows, as well as with other breeds, that the Chow is perhaps the
cleanest dog of all. Most puppies are easily housebroken by the time
they are eight weeks. The Chow has very little body odor if he is
brushed often, and he does not seem to be readily accessible to every
passing bug, vermin, or virus.
He is a good eater, and he does not require a great deal of exercise so
that he may live happily in an apartment.